Why Chronic Illness Is Becoming America’s Leading Health Challenge
By Julia Fischer
We all have aches and pains that we have gotten used to over time. Chronic illness/disease has become a part of our lives.
Living the American dream has become a nightmare when it comes to our health. Chronic illness is the leading cause of death in the United States and is quickly becoming a problem in other countries as well.
Dr. Asante Dickson, Chief Medical Officer at Continuum Healthcare Network, has evidence that shows chronic illness is quickly becoming a global health concern.
What Is Chronic Illness?
According to Dr. Dickson, “Chronic disease is a disease that is not curable and long-standing and can affect patients at any stage of their lives. Examples of chronic disease include:
- Diabetes
- Asthma
- Arthritis
- Heart disease
- Stroke
- Cancer
- Depression
Chronic disease takes many forms and can range in severity from mild to severe. Some types of chronic illness may become progressively worse over time, while others can be managed with various types of therapy. Quality of life can be maintained if patients understand their needs and are willing to follow their treatment plan.
Common Causes
Chronic illness can have many causes. Poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, alcohol consumption, and excessive levels of stress are just a few of the leading causes. It’s also well-known that the constant messages that the public receives through various forms of advertising play a direct role in the patterns we choose to follow.
Fast food advertising shows hot, delicious food that is quick and convenient. The same is true for tobacco advertising. Once the images grab your attention, the messaging does the rest. Moderation is important to maintain good health and well-being. It will take time to eliminate existing patterns and establish new ones.
The Leading Cause of Death in America
Heart disease and upper respiratory conditions make chronic illness the leading cause of death and disability in America. It’s estimated that approximately 43 million people die each year of chronic (or non-communicable) illness, according to the World Health Organization. We are a society that has gotten used to convenience and immediate gratification.
The problem with this lifestyle is that it fosters poor health. Excessive amounts of additives and preservatives have replaced much-needed nutrients. This leaves our body struggling to get the nourishment in needs for good health. As our health deteriorates, our risk of chronic illness dramatically increases. This can result in lifelong health complications and decreased quality of life.
An Overwhelmed Healthcare System
“Our current healthcare system is overwhelmed,” Dr. Dickson commented. Hospitals are set up for acute care, while doctors are the best option for treating chronic conditions. Behaviors associated with the American way of life can be destructive if left unchecked. Doctors are becoming more and more discouraged with their patients’ unwillingness to change their unhealthy habits.
Companies like Continuum Healthcare Network offer services like:
- Remote patient care monitoring and tracking of vitals
- Medication review to prevent duplication
- Transitional care and support
- Behavioral monitoring to assist with keeping their mental health on point
These services offer a level of care that can help patients improve their overall mental and physical health and prevent further deterioration.
The Cost of Insurance
Insurance is a business, and paying to cover the cost of chronic care treatment can be expensive. Unlike acute care, which only requires one or two visits, chronic health issues require ongoing care. Monthly visits can cause the cost of a patient’s insurance to skyrocket. “For example, after a patient experiences a stroke, they are now left with physical, motor, sensory abnormalities that, oftentimes, have to be managed for the rest of their lives,” Dr. Dickson stated.
A patient’s willingness to change their lifestyle and eliminate unhealthy habits can improve their health and reduce their need for constant care. While the condition may never go away completely, the patient can get it to a point where it is much more manageable. By lowering their need for constant medical care, they can also reduce the overall cost of their insurance.
Can Chronic Illness Be Avoided?
Chronic illness can be avoided if a patient practices healthy habits. Walking a few blocks every day and swapping sweet treats for fresh vegetable snacks are two ways you can break the cycle of chronic illness. Having an open and honest discussion with a doctor is a great place to start.
Evaluating your existing habits and making small changes will allow you to transition to a healthier mindset without upsetting your existing lifestyle. Chronic illness can be deadly if you don’t take it seriously. Even if you have little to no motivation to change when you start, a few baby steps can make a world of difference.
The more you learn about chronic illness, the easier it will be for you to take control of your health. Identify your risks and learn to manage them effectively. Work with your doctor to establish a treatment plan that is effective for you.
